Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Porterfield.
Leslie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am on the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest woman in the world on a conventional motorcycle, with my record set at the Bonneville Salt Flats. My husband, Chris Clements is an award-winning tattoo artist. He attended the art institute of Dallas. He has always been an artist. He found tattoos as a medium, and has an amazing following. His talent and versatility have made him a well-known tattoo artist for the past ten years. We decided to open Inkling Studios in February of this year. It is the perfect business for us! We have four tattoo artist stations. We have motorcycles on display and I build custom bikes and restore vintage motorcycles for sale on a limited basis. It’s a unique combination! It is a family business. Chris’ cousin Hollie Hardaway runs our social media and front office. She is a wonderful addition to Inkling, and also a model. Her fiancé Brandon Stringer is also a well-known tattoo artist. He is passionate and is well known for his custom one of a kind tattoos.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road! It’s been a lot of hard work, but it is paying off. I previously owned a large used motorcycle dealership in Dallas. In 2012, I became a single mother of twins. I had challenges balancing motherhood and a large business. In December 2015, I made the difficult decision to close my business. Chris had worked for other tattoo studios for 10 years and wanted to open his own. We have the perfect combination and decided to open Inkling Studios together. It took months to find the location at 4116 Live Oak Street. It needed extensive remodeling to create the atmosphere we were after. With help of friends and family, we were able to transform the space into a unique and beautiful space. We have art from local artists adorning our walls, and motorcycles on display. It is truly an impressive place to come get tattooed. We achieved our goal of having a next level tattoo studio. We take great pride in having an amazing atmosphere. We are so grateful to our friends and family for their support. I am enjoying having a place for my motorcycle passion that still gives me the balance I need between work and being a mother.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The concept of vintage and specialty motorcycles along with the best custom tattoos and art is unique to Inkling Studios. We all are committed to being the best. It’s an amazing atmosphere. We are licensed, insured, sterile, knowledgeable and friendly. This is a new step for local tattoo studios. It sets us apart from the old style rough tattoo parlors! We host events and are active in the community. We have a program where we offer a fresh start for teenagers that have gang related or racial slur tattoos, where we offer free cover ups. We believe that giving back is important. We often speak at underprivileged schools and events on motivational speaking and sharing our passions.
What were you like growing up?
Chris began his art career as a child. Sitting in front of his grandfather’s television and changing the channels for him, he would lay on the floor and draw for hours. He would draw and paint every chance he got. He would continue on to refine his talent at the art institute of Dallas.
Leslie began riding motorcycles at 16. She had never been in a motorcycle before she purchased an old bike for $200 as a means of transportation. After many speeding tickets, she took her motorcycle to the track. Accidentally finding a passion and talent, she went on to become the first woman on a conventional motorcycle in the legendary 200mph club, and then set the top record as a female on a conventional motorcycle at Bonneville, getting her into the Guinness Book of world records. Her top speed is 246 mph.
Contact Info:
- Website: Inklingtattoo.com
- Phone: 214-434-1955
- Email: hollie@inklingtattoo.com
- Instagram: Inklingtattoostudios
- Facebook: Inkling Studios
- Yelp: Inkling Studios
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
